Deepa Choudhury Deepa Choudhury Asked 8 months ago

How is tb test administered?

My company is asking everyone to get a TB test. I've never had one before and I'm a bit nervous. How is a TB test usually done? Is it an injection or a blood test?

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5 answers

Kiran Deshmukh Kiran Deshmukh Joined May 2026 5 months ago
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The common Mantoux skin test is done by injecting a tiny amount of fluid into your forearm skin, and you must return in 48 to 72 hours to get it read. If you delay showing it to the doctor, the test becomes useless and you might miss a crucial diagnosis. Go to a proper clinic and let a trained nurse do it.

Ramanathan Iyer Ramanathan Iyer Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

I ignored my persistent evening fever for months and ended up with severe lung issues before finally getting tested. The skin test is just a tiny, painless prick on your arm, and they also do sputum tests or blood tests. Please don't ignore your symptoms like I did; get tested by a doctor immediately.

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Lata Joshi Lata Joshi Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

I tried all kinds of herbal decoctions for my husband's cough before we finally went for a TB test. They either do a quick blood draw or a small skin prick on the forearm that bubbles up slightly. It is a very simple medical process, and much more reliable than trying home remedies for chronic coughs.

Suresh Trivedi Suresh Trivedi Joined May 2026 6 months ago

For the skin test, they inject a little fluid under your arm skin and tell you not to scratch it, which is the hardest part because it gets slightly itchy! Then you have to go back to the hospital after two days just so they can look at the bump. It is a bit of a chore, but very simple.

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Amit Saxena Amit Saxena Joined May 2026 5 months ago

We went to a well-known hospital, and they offered both the skin test and the IGRA blood test, which is more convenient since you don't have to return for a second reading. I suggest you go to a good hospital and ask the doctor which test is best for your situation.

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